Elk Rifle Caliber

[topher89]

The 30-06 does it all. The only reason to buy another caliber is for fun. In my limited hunting experience I have shot my -06 3 times and gotten 3 animals. All dead right where they were standing.

Use the extra cash to buy other more needed gear.

 

[flyingbrass]

beware the man with one gun, he knows how to use it

 

[philos]

The 30-06 is capable of taking anything in North America save Grizzly and Polar bears. I use a 338 and if I had a do over I might stick with the 30-06 I started with.

My 338 is lightweight and kicks like hell but since I already own it I use it. If I could have only 1 gun it would be either a 30-06 or 308. A one gun hunter is a deadly hunter.

No reason (at least where I have hunted) to ever worry about shooting at an elk over 300 yards and 06 at that range is as good as it gets.

 

[mtswampfox]

If it wasnt for this topic and this topic alone, think of all the forums and hunting magazines that would go out of business.....

 

[Keneboy]

Thanks guys for the input, I sure did not want this thread to turn into something ugly...I will stick with my '06.

 

[bowieknife50]

So how about a .270? If I can kill a kudu with it I can kill an elk with it right?

 

[Bubblehide]

I see this question alot on another forum I have been on much much longer. Here is my standard answer. Non-lead bullets has seriously changed the game, they simply outperform the old standby lead based bullets. In Africa, the guides used to tell their clients to bring several rifles, and make them their larges caliber rifles with exception of one for their smaller game animals, usually a standard deer caliber here in the us. With the advent of copper and gilding metal bullets, those same guides are saying bring your standard high caliber rifle and maybe a back-up, you won't need anything else, unless you plan on hunting our largest most dangerous species, then bring a 338 caliber or above for those animals that are our largest most dangerous.

So, if you use a non-lead bullet that your rifle shoots well, one designed for big game animals like elk (just check the bullet manufactures website), you'll just just fine with your 30-06.

Best of luck!

 

[Backpack Hunter]

So how about a .270? If I can kill a kudu with it I can kill an elk with it right?

In my limited experience with a 270 regarding elk I would say you will be fine.

 

[belly-deep]

The 30-06 is capable of taking anything in North America save Grizzly and Polar bears.

Lots of griz and polar bear killed with '06 and smaller guns.

 

[mtswampfox]

Interesting to hear what real hunters have to say about calibers. Remember being in wyoming one time in a gun shop and overheard couple guys discussing this same thing. Seemed like all the rifles had multi numbers and most with hyphens between them along with letters at the end. The point of the copper bullets makes lots of sence too. The old adage of having enough gun is changing for sure